|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 323 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  174

 Dheho Api Dhaiva Vashaga: Khalu Karma Yavath Swarambhakam Prathisameekshatha  Yeavasasu: | Tham Sa  Prapancham Adhirooda Samadhiyoga:  Swapnam Punar Na  Bhajathe Prathibudhdhavasthu: ||

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, whenever you get stuck in the cluster of thoughts, make a thorough evaluation of it, whether it would do any good to you and others, the cluster of unwanted thoughts causes’ physical exhaustion.  Oh! Udhdhava, understand the ultimate truth that the mind and intellect is the source of the supreme soul, and it is preserved by me, remove all those thoughts that cause weakness and anxiousness with the sharp sword-like wisdom, understand my all-pervasive and flawless nature and contemplate upon me, and remove all your qualms.  The human bodies undergo constant transformation and ruin, finally merges in the Prakrithi and again the Jeeva assumes a body with the unfinished desires, thus the cycles of birth and death continue.  Therefore, accept whatever happens in your life as the grace of the Supreme Lord, if you keep contemplating upon the supreme Lord it will elevate your thoughts from grief and sorrows, like the drunkard, never take notice of his misplaced clothes.  Oh! Udhdhava, the soul attains the body as a result of desires in the mind of male and female, eventually the Beeja deposited from the male to the female womb and the growth of the fetus begins and the birth takes place.  The body obtained as a result of the Kama/lust and Karma/physical relationship should be elevated to the supreme soul with the practice of Bhakti Yoga, perform all the deeds with the constant remembrance of me, and surrender the fruits of the deeds to me, and receive all those happenings in your life as a the grace of the supreme Lord.  Oh! Udhdhava, contemplate upon my virtues which is beyond Gunas, sung in praise of me and my all-pervasive nature, I am your constant companion residing as soul, I have no expectation or attachments, and  I am beloved my devotees.”

Mam Bhajanthi Guna: Sarve  Nirgunam Nirapekshakam | Suhridham Priyam Athmanam Samyasangadhayo Guna: ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 322 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  173

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, the thoughts are under constant control of the three virtues of Sathvik, Rajasik and Thamisk which cannot harm the supreme soul, like the change of seasons do not affect the sky.  The sthoolashareera/body undergoes constant transformation and ruin, the Sookshmashareera/soul has neither birth nor death.  The misfortunes, failures, grief are an unavoidable part of the human life, therefore the remembrance of the supreme soul that is void of three Gunas, with the constant practice of Dhyanam, recitation of scriptures, sacred hymns, the performance of various religious and spiritual rites and keeping engaged your mind on the various Dharmic rites, you can gradually get rid of the impurities of the mind, like the continuous friction of two bamboo plants or any wood produces fire.”

Udhdhava speaks “ Oh! Krishna, I have been soaked in the interests in worldly matters and bondage for several years, like animals/dog/shamelessness, donkey/ignorant and goat/gobbling nature, how did the practice of meditation and contemplation remove the impurities of the mind? Kindly narrate to me.”

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, the reason for the mind reluctant to leave the unwanted thoughts is due to ‘I’ consciousness and self-importance which is caused by the over the influence of Rajoguna/lust, desire, greed, jealousy.  Oh! Udhdhava, the supreme soul is the source of these Gunas, the more you nurture the habits of Rajoguna, there will be no control over it, and finally, it will lead to destruction.  Oh! Udhdhava, I shall narrate a legend, once the Sanakadhis went to Bhrama Loka and met Lord Bhrama, and enquired to Bhrama “ Oh! Prabho, Oh! Father, the mind and intellect are the under the constant influences of the three Gunas, which is originated from the supreme soul, and  the fleeting nature of the thoughts in the mind is inseparable, so how could we abandon the thoughts and contemplate upon supreme Lord?”   Oh! Udhdhava, the Lord Bhrama could not give a precise answer to the questions of Sanakadhis.  He contemplated upon me; hence I have assumed the form of Hamsa and appeared before them.” 

Yevam Prishto Mahadeva:  Swayambhur  Bhoothabhavana: | Dhyayamana: Prashnabeejam Nabhyapadhyatha Karmadhi: || Sa  Mama Chinthayath Deva: Prashnaparathi Theershaya | Thasyaham Hamsaroopena Sakashamagamam Thadha ||

Krishna continues “Oh! Udhdhava, The Sanakadhis enquired about my whereabouts, I replied to them “Oh! Muni, you have enquired about me, is there any difference between you and me?” The thought forms the differences in people, with the influence of the three Gunas such as  Rajogunas are lust, desire, anger, passion, etc. Thamogunas are laziness, lethargy, exhaustion, dullness, fear and grief; and the Swathikgunas are honesty, love, kindness and affection etc are under the constant  tie with the thoughts, the person with a balanced state of mind will not let the thoughts overrule him with the knowledge of ‘self’.  The thoughts are expressed either by words, or action; therefore it depends on the nature of the individual to handle the thoughts tactfully.  The supreme soul preserves the mind and intellects during the three states of wakening, sleep and dream, without this knowledge, if the mind and intellect wedge in the cluster of thoughts, it would become difficult to elevate the soul.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 321 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  172

Yevam  Gurupasanaika Bhakthya  Vidhya Kutarena Shithena  Dheera: | Vivrishchya Jeevashayamapramaththa:  Sambadhya Chathmanamadha Thyajasthram ||

Udhdhava speaks “Oh! Yogeshwareshwara, I have a doubt still lingering in me, kindly remove all my qualms. What is the reason for the grief?”

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, the mind, and intellect originated from the supreme soul, the thoughts of three Gunas initiates in it, eventually, the mind stuck with the thoughts related to people, matter, sound and appearance, like the heat/Sookshma in the atmosphere causes the woods/Sthoola to absorb it and when it crushes with each other/friction produces fire and burns into ashes/Sookshma.  In this way, the mind and intellect lean on the cluster of thoughts while the person is awake and it disappears while asleep, like the thread spread across the clothes, forget its origin from the cotton, in the same manner, the mind and intellect forgets its origin from the supreme soul.  Oh! Udhdhava, you have to approach a preceptor who helps you to come out  of the cluster of thoughts with the supreme knowledge, the ignorance can be removed with the powerful sword of knowledge of Bhakti and Vidhya, along with the constant practice, you can unite your soul with me.”

The human mind and intellect are either wedged in the harsh experiences of the past or anxiousness about the future, both are destructive nature of thoughts.  The positive thinking removes the cluster of unwanted thoughts, anxiousness, and it prepares the mind to fight against any adverse situation with a serene mind.  It can be achieved through rigorous practice of meditation, Pranayama, reading, and recitation of scriptures, being in the association of saintly men and ascetics.  We have no hold on the past and future, therefore living in the present without the knowledge of the supreme soul in vain. One should learn lessons from the harsh experience of the past, and plan the future without getting overexcited, with the awareness of it may or may not work due to the influence of ‘Time’.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 320 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  171

Thasmathvam Udhdhavothsrijya Chodhanam Prathichodhanam | Pravriththam Cha Nivriththam Cha Shrothavyam Shruthameva Cha || Mam Eka Meva  Sharanam Athmanam Sarvadhehinam| Yahi Sarvathma Bhavena Maya Sya Hyakuthobhaya: ||

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, listen to me carefully,  it is not easy to attain me with the knowledge of Veda or Vedantha, Scriptures, practices of Yogas, offering charities and contributions, recitation of Vedic chants, or following series of vows and austerities, or offering an abundance of wealth and money as charity to Brahmin or good causes.  You can attain me with the constant association with the intellectuals, pious, saintly men and ascetics, and learn from them, discard your attachment and interest in worldly matters and practice contemplation upon me; it will elevate your soul from the miseries and grief.  Oh! Udhdhava, there are several illustrious Rishis and Sages, and pious souls attained me in that way, I shall name them Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Naga, Mriga, Gaga, Vidhyadhara,  Manushya, Vaishya, Shudra, Sthree, Vrishaparva, Bali, Maya, Vibheeshana, Sugreevah, Hanuman, Riksha Gaja, Gridhra, Vanika, Vyadha, Kubja, Vrajagopis, Gopas, Yagnapathis, etc. Oh! Udhdhava, I have lived in Vraja engaged in various amusing sports with the female of cowherds of Vraja, later I have to leave them and left with Rama to Mathura.  The female cowherds who were completely surrendered to me, discarded their families and children, wealth, cows, possessions, etc..And devoted their mind and intellect upon me and served me sincerely, were finding it impossible to live in my absence.  I have performed Maharas with them for several hours to please them have seemed seconds to them, they were completely soaked in a state of ecstasy, did not notice the passing of time.  Eventually, they understood that I have not separated from them, he realized my eternal presence in their hearts as soul, they did not feel the pain of separation, with the constant remembrance and contemplation, they have united their souls with mine, like the greatest Yogis, who takes pleasure in the union of supreme Bhramam, like a river continues its journey until it merges with the ocean.  Oh! Udhdhava, You are aware of all that, those women of cowherds of Vraja fallen in love with me, they were attracted by my appearance, they were not know my real nature, gradually they realized that I am not only their beloved one, but also the inseparable soul resides in them and attained the supreme Bhramam.  There are countless souls attained me with the association with the saintly men and ascetics, realized my nature of Bhramam, so it won’t be difficult for you.  Oh! Udhdhava, therefore discard those things have and haven’t heard, I am not the one to terrify the souls, whoever surrendered to me, with the knowledge of my all-pervasive nature, and resides as a soul in living beings, will remain fearless always.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 319 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  170

Kripalu Akrithadhroha Thithikshu: Sarvadehinam | Sathyasaro Anavadhyathma Sama: Sarvopakaraka: || Kamairahithadheerdhantho Mridhu: Shuchirakinchana: | Aneeho Mithabhuk Shantha: Sthiro Maccharano Muni: ||

Udhdhava speaks “  Oh! Prabho,  Oh! Uththamasloka Oh! Lokadhyaksha, Oh! Jagathprabhu, you are absolute Bhramam, you are Purusha and you are beyond Prakrithi, you have incarnated on the Earth at your own will.  Oh! Bhagavan, kindly narrate which sort of people should be associated with to augment my devotion? Which kind of devotion would provide the union with you?”

 Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, you should be in the association of kindhearted people who do not take pleasure in hurting others, people who are self-contented, receives all the happenings in the life as the grace of Lord, curious to learn scriptures, truthful, knowledge of oneness in all, helping minded and selfless people.  Oh! Udhdhava, be in the association of people who have no interest in worldly matters, or desires, pure-minded, no greed for wealth or possessions or fame, people who are void of jealousy, ego, and  pride, be in the association of  saintly men and ascetics who take limited meals, serene, and pleasant.  Oh! Udhdhava, be in the association of saintly people who may or may not be profound in Shastras and scriptures, but recites my glories with intense devotion and faith/Ananyabhakthi, with the realization of the presence of me in their hearts as well as in living beings.  In this way, you can elevate your soul to the supreme Lord, listen to my myths with intense devotion and faith, singing in praise of me, and dance in a state of ecstasy, and like a servant completely surrender to me, perform all those deeds with the constant remembrance of me and surrender the fruits of the deeds to me.”

Suryo Agnir Bhramano Gavo  Vaishnava: Gam Maruth Jalam | Bhoorathma Sarvabhoothani Bhadhrapoojapadhani mey ||

Bhagavan continues “ Oh ! Udhdhava, I shall describe whom should be worshiped, listen to me carefully, Lord Surya, Agni, Bhramana who has the knowledge of absolute Bhramam, Gava/cows, Vaishnava/devotees of Lord Vishnu, Gam,  Maruth, Jalam, sky, Earth, individual soul and all the living beings on the Earth.  Oh! Udhdhava, practice contemplation upon a specific form of me, and conduct meditation and elevate your soul, with the knowledge that the supreme Lord is Kshethrajja who resides as a soul in living beings and protects the shrine/body and achieve the knowledge of oneness in all.  Oh! Udhdhava, it is impossible to achieve elevation of the soul without Bhakti yoga and the association with the ascetics and saintly men.  There is no available method to raise the soul from miseries and sorrows of worldly existence.”

Prayena Bhakthiyogena Sath Sangena Vinodhdhava | Nopayo Vidhyathe  Sadhryang Prayanam Hi Sathamaham ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 318 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  169

Gam Dhugdhadhohamasathi Cha Baryam  Dheham Paradheenamasathprajam Cha | Viththam Thva Theerthikrithamanga Vacham Heenam Maya Rakshathi Dhukha Dhukhi || Sath Sanga Labhdhaya  Bhakthya Mayi Mam Ya Upasitha | Sa Vai Mey Dharshitham Sadhbir  Anjjasa Vindhathe Padham ||

Krishna speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, I shall narrate an interesting legend to you, there was a huge peepal tree and there were two birds sitting on the two different branches, one was sitting on the lower branch was keeps twittering, taking pleasures in the fruits, and restless/Jeevathma.   The other bird sitting on the top of the branch/Paramathma was silently watching all the deeds with the knowledge that the bird sitting in the lower branch is not different from him.  Suddenly the bird sitting on the lower branch looked up and saw the other bird serene and contented even though it was not taking pleasure in the fruits.  It inspired the bird sitting on the lower branch and started practicing calmness and eventually, it reached on the top of the same branch where the other one was already seated, looked at it in awe and realized that they both are the same.  An ignorant is a Nithyabadhdha, he is not free from worldly matters and bondage, constantly engages in seeking sensual pleasure, he is over-dependent and attached to people, wealth, possession, fame, and richness, in this way he isolates himself from the supreme Lord.   An intellectual who constantly engages in the practice of meditation and contemplation upon supreme Lord who resides as soul gets liberated from worldly matters and bondage remains Nithyamuktha/liberated soul and with the constant practice attains nearness to supreme Lord.  Oh! Udhdhava, my nature as the supreme soul is Universal and it is independent, like the air that has the nature of the free flow, like dreams that are not real.  The thought creates bondage and attachment, intellectual frees him from the cluster of thoughts like waking up from the dream.  Oh! Udhdhava, listen to me carefully, do not praise anyone or do not disgrace anyone, even if a person follows all those religious and spiritual rites, recite Veda, visit shrines, reading scriptures, without elevating the soul with the supreme knowledge, lacks serenity of the mind, it would be same as taking care of a cow that will not give milk or birth to a calf .”

Krishna continues “ Oh! Udhdhava, The person who is taking care of a cow that has stopped giving milk, having a  wicked wife, body full of ailments,  having evil children, and the wealth that never been used for charitable purposes, speak unpleasant words, and never practiced devotion, would remain unhappy always and no one can protect him. The person who is practiced devotion keeps away from the sorrows and eventually, the sorrows remain unhappy in failing its attempts to make the person dejected. Oh! Udhdhava, the more you are devoted to me, you will be freed from the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence, therefore practice singing in praise of me, contemplating upon my glorious pastimes and myths, and perform all the deeds selflessly, follow Dharma, Artha, and Kama without taking pride in it, in this way you will attain intense devotion and faith on me, and  always remain in the association of saintly men and ascetics, and contemplate upon me, perform all the deeds with the constant remembrance of me and surrender the results to me.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 317 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  168

Guna: Srijanthi Karmani Gunoanusrijathe  Gunan | Jeevasthu Gunasamyuktho Bhungthe Karmaphalanyasau ||

Bhagavan speaks “ An ignorant take pride in wealth, matter, possessions, people, fame, etc. and undergoes endless sufferings.  The Karma/deeds are under the  influence of the Gunas, known as Rajasik, Swathik and Tamasik, nature, and the fruits of the Karma based on the nature of the Karma, in this way cycles of Karma keeps repeating.  As long as the mind and intellect are wedged in the material matters and bondages, the individual never realizes the all-pervasive nature of the supreme soul and oneness-in all; it creates over dependency and attachment to people, possessions and wealth, which will cause extreme anxieties and fear.  The ‘Time’ has to play its role and no one has control over it.  The interest in worldly matters and bondage causes more fear of the supreme Lord.   The people who have the knowledge of the supreme soul resides as soul and its all-pervasive nature would be fearless, will have the ability to receive all the happenings in life as the grace of supreme Lord.”

 Yethath Acchyutha Mey Bhroohi Prashnam Prashnavidham Vara | Nithyamuktho  Nithyabadhdha: Yeka Yevethi Mey Bhrama: ||

Udhdhava speaks “ Oh! Bhagavan, you have described the nature of thoughts that has the fleeting tendency, do not affect the supreme soul.  You have also mentioned that people who are wedged in the thoughts of material well-beings and bondage undergoes sufferings.  Oh! Achyutha, kindly narrate how did an individual perform all the tasks/Nithyabadhdha and remain liberated soul/Nithyamuktha? Or how did a Nithyamuktha/liberated soul perform all the tasks of the worldly life simultaneously?”

Badhdho Muktha Ithi Vyakhya Gunatho Mey Na  Vasthutha: | Gunasya  Maya  Moolathvanna Mey Moksho Na Bandhanam ||Shokam Mohau Sukham Dhukham Dehopaththishcha Mayaya| Swapno Yadhathmana: Khyathi: Samsrithir Na Thu Vasthavi ||

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, the inherited virtues in an individual leads to thoughts which have fleeting nature and the spiritual fervor in the individual leads to the supreme Lord.   The grief, desire, happiness, sorrows, and ailments are caused by Maya, like the dreams that are not real. The person who is wedged in the cluster of unwanted thoughts lacks freedom/NithyaBadhdha, like a silkworm that fastens itself with its own thread, unlike the spider that creates the web to catch its prey and absorbs it as and when it requires.  Oh! Udhdhava, there are two branches called Vidhya/wisdom and Avidhya/ignorance.  The individual who is wedged in material matters and bondage is ignorant, the intellectuals with the constant practice attain wisdom, achieve the knowledge of supreme Lord who resides as soul and realizes eternal presence in them, eventually gets relieved from the worldly matters and bondage.  The Paramathma/supreme soul witnesses all the deeds of the Jeeva residing as a soul in them.”